How to look after yourself!
Transitioning from primary to high school is a significant milestone for all students, but often presents unique challenges. It is important to look after yourself and enter this time with as much confidence as you can! This guide offers strategies to help you manage stress and anxiety, so you can navigate this new chapter with resilience and assurance.
Why might we feel stressed?
High school brings with it new environments, schedules, teachers and friends. There are also new learning expectations and increased independence. While these changes can be exciting, they might also cause feelings of anxiety about the unknown or overwhelm due to the adjustments. Remember, it is normal to feel this way, and understanding what causes our stress is the first step in managing it effectively.
Support strategies for students
Establish a routine:
Create a consistent daily schedule
Incorporate time for breaks and self-care
Break down new tasks
Approach new subjects or assignments by breaking them into smaller, more manageable parts
Use checklists to track progress and celebrate small achievements
Build Social Connections
Join clubs or groups that match your interests
Arrange meetups with future classmates during the holidays
Develop Coping Strategies
Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or other relaxation techniques
Identify a “safe space” at school where you can go if feeling overwhelmed
Time Management Techniques
Use timers or alarms to help manage time effectively between classes or during homework
Teach the use of apps or planners to organize tasks and prioritize activities
Sensory Tools
Carry sensory tools such as fidget items or headphones to help manage sensory sensitivities
Identify quiet areas in the school where sensory breaks can be taken
Support strategies for Parents
Open Communication
Regularly talk with your child about their feelings regarding the transition
Encourage your child to express any concerns or anxieties
Be attentive to changes in mood, behaviour, or sleep patterns
Encourage Independence
Gradually increase your child’s responsibilities at home to build confidence.
Support them in making decisions about their daily routines and schoolwork.
Promote Self-Advocacy
Help your child understand their own needs and how to communicate them.
Practice role-playing scenarios where they might need to ask for help.
Involve the Student in Planning
Encourage your child to be part of discussions and decisions about their transition.
Let them choose some of their supplies, outfits, or setup for their study space to create a sense of ownership.
Encourage Participation in Extracurricular Activities
Explore extracurricular activities that align with your child’s interests and strengths.
This can help build confidence and provide additional social opportunities.
Written by Hannah Broughton - Placement student from Deakin University
